Uttarakhand’s Silver Jubilee: President Murmu Highlights Human Development and Governance Milestones

Overview

• During Uttarakhand’s silver jubilee celebrations, President Droupadi Murmu addressed a special session of the State Legislative Assembly in Dehradun on November 3, 2025. She commended the state’s progress in human development, women’s empowerment, and transparent governance over the past 25 years.

Focus on Human Development

• The President noted that Uttarakhand has achieved notable improvements in Human Development Index (HDI) indicators, including higher literacy rates and declining maternal and infant mortality. She credited these gains to expanded access to education and healthcare across districts, while urging continued efforts to ensure equitable growth, particularly in remote hill areas.

Women’s Leadership and Empowerment

• President Murmu praised the appointment of Ritu Khanduri Bhushan as Uttarakhand’s first woman Speaker, calling it a milestone in gender-inclusive governance. She emphasized that women’s empowerment must extend beyond representation to leadership roles, employment, and participation in local self-government.

Uniform Civil Code and Legislative Achievements

• Highlighting the state’s adoption of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) —the first in India—she linked it to Article 44 of the Constitution, which directs the state to secure a uniform civil framework for all citizens. She also lauded lawmakers for passing over 550 bills , including the Lokayukta Bill , Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Bill , and Anti-Cheating Bill , reflecting Uttarakhand’s focus on transparency and social justice.

Silver Jubilee Events and State Response
As part of the jubilee programme, the President’s itinerary includes:

• Nainital engagements: Commemoration of 125 years of Raj Bhavan , visit to Neem Karoli Baba Ashram at Kainchi Dham , and presiding over Kumaun University’s 20th convocation .
  Governor Gurmit Singh highlighted the state’s journey in governance, prosperity, and infrastructure, while Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed gratitude to the President and paid tribute to statehood movement contributors ahead of Uttarakhand’s Foundation Day (November 9) .

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Event: Uttarakhand’s Silver Jubilee Legislative Session (November 3, 2025)

• Key Focus: HDI improvements, women’s empowerment, transparent governance

• First Woman Speaker: Ritu Khanduri Bhushan

• Policy Highlight: Implementation of Uniform Civil Code (Article 44)

• Legislative Record: 550+ bills including Lokayukta, Land Reforms, and Anti-Cheating Acts

• Occasion: 25 years of Uttarakhand’s statehood (established November 9, 2000)